Social Security Information

As wage earners, J-1 intern/trainees are required to pay Federal, State and Local income taxes. However, most J-1 intern/trainees are exempt from paying Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA). 

When an intern/trainee arrives in the United States they must contact Pan Atlantic within 24 hours so that we can validate his/her arrival in the government database, SEVIS. An intern/trainee will show up as "active" in the government database within approximately 5-7 days of validation. We recommend that intern/trainees wait at least a week after reporting their US arrival to Pan Atlantic before applying for a social security number.  We urge program supervisors to assist intern/trainees as they apply for their social security card, as it can be confusing.
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While an intern/trainee is waiting to receive his/her number you may use a place holder social security number to process the necessary paperwork (000-00-0000). The US Government allows this practice once a social security number application has been submitted.  The intern/trainee should be able to provide you with proof of submitting their application for a social security number for your records.